Help for Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
What is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial Cystitis (or IC) is a recurring condition which causes pain in the pelvic and bladder region, often accompanied by the need for frequent urination, or the feeling that this is needed. IC can effect anyone of any age, though it is most commonly found in women.
Most IC experts think that IC is actually several diseases combined. The two main sub-types are non-ulcerative and ulcerative. Approximately 90% of sufferers have the non-ulcerative type of IC.
The cause of IC is uncertain, however bladder infection or trauma (such as from surgery), or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and autoimmune disorders have been associated with it.
Currently (in 2010) there is no cure for this condition. However there are a number of things a person can do to ease their symptoms. Pentosan polysulfate sodium in tablet form can be used to ease pain for IC sufferers. Also, a suppository of diazepam might be prescribed to relax the pelvic muscles. Other ideas include retraining the bladder to retain urine for a certain amount of time. Yoga, acupuncture, Ayruveda, Reiki and chiropractic manipulation have been found to help some people.
Many people report that certain foods worsen their symptoms.
Recipes for Interstitial Cystitis Sufferers by E Murphy
Self-Help Recipes for Interstitial Cystitis
Some ten years ago, a friend of mine was diagnosed with CI. Having found little information to help herself, Eileen Murphy began experimenting in her own kitchen to discover ways of easing her symptoms.
The result is the two books in the Amazon box to the right, which provide a wide variety of easy-to-follow recipes which range from beef casserole with dumplings to blueberry muffins, from paella to choux pastry cream cakes.
This lady, now a proud grandmother, hopes her recipes will help other sufferers of CI to enjoy a fuller life.
Links
- Interstitial Cystitis Association
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is the only non-profit health association solely dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with IC. - Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
About 750,000 people in the U.S. (about 90% of whom are women) suffer from a chronic condition of the bladder known as interstitial cystitis. - Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation
Provides information and support to sufferers of bladder problems, including Interstitial Cystitis, Bacterial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder.
Further Reading
- Immortality within 30 Years
Immortality has been a human ambition for as long as humans have walked this Earth. Immortalists and transhumanists think that the developing sciences of nanotechnology, nanomedicine and artificial...
© 2010 Adele Cosgrove-Bray